Loving Divine Family,
How lonely and dark the world must have seemed in those 400 years before Jesus’ birth. The people who remembered your ancient ways and kept watch in the darkness knew best of your light that returned with Jesus. We too, have felt great darkness and times of loneliness. We draw near to you. Please don’t let the darkness return! Please keep your light and love upon us so we may continue to walk your path with confidence.
I seek to know you more today, LORD, and thank you for…
We try in our human understanding to give our hearts to you. But so often our efforts turn into feelings of righteousness, duty, and responsibility. Teach us your ancient ways so we may know the boundlessness of your love and desires for us.
Thank you, LORD, for being in our midst and guiding us in our past, present, and future. No matter where we are in the stages of life, you are filling us with hope that the best is yet to come. Thank you for the invitation to lift ourselves and others up in prayer. Thank you for your current blessings and for the blessings to come.
Loving Divine Family,
Your ways are perfect. Your plan is made perfect through the gift of Jesus Christ. We reflect on the wonders you have set in motion. The idea that you chose us before the creation of the world is so marvelous. We feel overcome and fully washed by your love. All things in creation praise you for your perfect love.
Today, we invite you to ‘Reread, Rest and Reflect’ on the prayers of the past week.
Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 8:1-9
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Matthew 25:31-46
Revelation 21:1-6
O Light of the world, you came into the darkness to reveal who we are, your beloved children of God, and to light our path. On this day we pause at the threshold as we are about to enter a new year, with a new path full of hope and love. Thank you for your ever-present light leading us. We reflect on this past year through the lens of your light and see the many blessings. The uncomfortable and painful memories we leave in the sweet embrace of Jesus.
Loving Divine Family,
Your ways are so mysterious and wonderful! You come to us in our dreams and thoughts, and we are not afraid. We enter your sacred prayer space, and you welcome us with open arms like a parent welcoming the children home. You know the cries of our hearts and prepare all things for us in advance.
We place at your feet all our trophies and accomplishments, household gods and hand-made idols, knowing that only you can sustain us. We place our hope and trust in you and praise you for your goodness. knowing that only you can sustain us. We place our hope and trust in you and praise you for your goodness.
O Loving God, we your children closest to your heart sing your praises. You have done marvelous things, creating everything with a purpose and a home of belonging. Everything is interconnected and dependent on one another.
O Wise Loving God, we listen with remembering ears to hear your gentle voice speaking love and skill for life. We wait and watch with anticipation at the door, like children waiting for their parents to come home. Praise to you for your ways that bring healing and not harm.